Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has assured Kenyans of his commitment to the Nairobi River regeneration programme.
According to the governor, the county will continue clearing rivers and reclaiming riparian land despite resistance.
“Even if it is a problem of 130 years, we shall address it. We must make tough decisions,” Sakaja stated.
He also urged residents living along riverbanks to relocate voluntarily to pave the way for both environmental restoration and modern infrastructure.
The Nairobi Governor revealed plans for a modern market in Gikomba aimed at improving livelihoods while reducing flood risks.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja defends riverbank clearances
He raised concerns over a reported risk at Nairobi Dam, saying he had received information from the Water Resources Authority indicating the dam is “full to the brim.”
He warned that a potential breach could have devastating consequences and urged residents living nearby to evacuate immediately.
Sakaja further said that the county government is investing in long-term drainage and sewer upgrades designed to serve the city for the next 50 years.
Despite that, he maintained that immediate action including forced relocations if necessary will be taken to safeguard lives.
Additionally, he defended ongoing evictions and river clearance operations, citing over a century of historical warnings about the city’s vulnerability to flooding.
